Mineral Resources Minister Mosebenzi Zwane compared his relationship with the Gupta family with that of Anglo American CEO Mark Cutifani and Glencore CEO Ivan Glasenberg on Monday.
Zwane said his relationship with the Guptas should therefore not be an issue, he told media at the Investing in African Mining Indaba in Cape Town.
“I engage with them on the issues of the country, I engage with them on the issues of asking them to invest more in South Africa,” he said. “I will continue to deal with a number of CEOs and I will move to other countries to talk to them to attract investment.”
Zwane said he will raise issues of transformation with the mining leaders. “I look forward to getting new players and entrants in the sector,” he said.
“Let’s develop this country, let’s have black champions in mining. We want to be upfront about this. People will eventually understand our ways of working.”
Zwane once again denied allegations that he forced Glencore’s hand in selling its Optimum Coal mine to Tegeta, which is owned by the Gupta’s Oakbay Resources.
“Glencore is a reputable company,” he said. “We should also respect the fact that the Glencore CEO is the most firm person I have met. The minister cannot just go to the CEO and tell him what to do.
“Optimum coal was in business rescue. It needed to be rescued in a particular way. The only player who was willing to rescue it was Tegeta,” he said. “I have not instructed anyone to give anyone a favour.”
Guptas just another Anglo, Glencore CEO to Zwane
Zwane said his relationship with the Guptas should therefore not be an issue, he told media at the Investing in African Mining Indaba in Cape Town.
“I engage with them on the issues of the country, I engage with them on the issues of asking them to invest more in South Africa,” he said. “I will continue to deal with a number of CEOs and I will move to other countries to talk to them to attract investment.”
Zwane said he will raise issues of transformation with the mining leaders. “I look forward to getting new players and entrants in the sector,” he said.
“Let’s develop this country, let’s have black champions in mining. We want to be upfront about this. People will eventually understand our ways of working.”
Zwane once again denied allegations that he forced Glencore’s hand in selling its Optimum Coal mine to Tegeta, which is owned by the Gupta’s Oakbay Resources.
“Glencore is a reputable company,” he said. “We should also respect the fact that the Glencore CEO is the most firm person I have met. The minister cannot just go to the CEO and tell him what to do.
“Optimum coal was in business rescue. It needed to be rescued in a particular way. The only player who was willing to rescue it was Tegeta,” he said. “I have not instructed anyone to give anyone a favour.”
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